Completion Rates
The completion rates of COLeLIO cohorts average at 80%. The highest record so far for a cohort is 98% and the lowest is 68%.
External Review
An external review of COLeLIO was conducted and the results analysed by Dr. Rory McGreal of Athabasca University, Canada, in 2008. This review was published in The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, a refereed e-journal to advance research, theory and best practice in open and distance learning worldwide:
McGreal, R. (2009). A case study of an international e-learning training division: Meeting objectives. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 10(6), 1-20. http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/issue/view/39
Highlights
"The [COLeLIO] student survey results showed that learners overwhelmingly felt that their writing and analytical skills had improved and that the course content was sufficient, clear and easy to understand, and appropriate for their organisations. They were particularly emphatic about the value of the tutorial system."
"The very high esteem for COL expressed by the partners is also important as their word-of-mouth advertising not only led to more partners within the UN system, but also to the above-named opportunities. There is real evidence of the success of the programme when partners renew their contracts while boasting of success to the others ("thrilled we found them!").
In a recent review of the effectiveness of the COL eLIO initiative, an evaluation study participant noted that the COLeLIO "… tutors' empathy, flexibility, and personal skills, combined with a tight organisational structure, were critical components of the success of the programme"
Accolades and Testimonials
Awards
The 2001 ODLAA Award for Excellent Practice in the Development and Delivery of Distance Education or Open Learning Programs in Response to an International or Cross-cultural need from the Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia.
The 2003 Award for Excellence in International Collaboration/Excellence en collaboration internationale from the then Canadian Association for Distance Education (CADE), now the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE).
Student and Client Feedback
“I AM SPEECHLESS - Cannot imagine anything could be professionally better than this course. It is remarkable the way COL has administered this course and reached various individuals in the world.”
– ILO learner
"COL's work is excellent – good communication, pleasant contact, efficient organisation, and quick notification of problems with learners. Thanks to their course our staff has noticeably improved writing and reporting skills, as well as the use of organisation templates and standards. We highly recommended their services to other international organisations."
– IFRC Trainer
"UNHCR has staff members in over 100 duty stations all over the world. Some of these locations are difficult to live and work in. Since the Effectively Writing course is offered in two of the main UN languages – English and French – a wide number of staff have benefited from the programme. Even very senior staff members have taken the course due to its UNHCR focus. These people learned skills that were immediately useful for their jobs."
– UNHCR Senior Staff Development Officer
"I think the course is so good and useful that it should be mandatory for all UNHCR staff members, especially those who write reports, take minutes, etc."
– UNHCR Writing Effectively Learner
"WHO's mode of communication with the outside world is by letters. Careful drafting, editing and proofreading is required to ensure the organisation's reputation is assured and that goodwill is built and maintained between WHO and its governing bodies. WHO is a multicultural organisation with people of different gender and professional backgrounds. It is important to write clearly, adapt communication style and content in a structured way while considering the addressed audience."
– WHO learner, Switzerland
"Before undertaking the eLearning course, I could not believe that I could make it with the difficult conditions I was in ... the region I was assigned in was devastated by war, far away from the elementary infrastructures: no electricity, telephone lines almost always down, no Internet service in the region. I managed to comply with all these constraints and succeeded. The experience the eLearning course provided me with will help me to undertake more difficult tasks because what I thought impossible before my eLearning came true just by courage and perseverance."
– UNHCR learner, Burundi
"The course material was very good. I am particularly pleased with the visual demonstration content which allowed me to 'walk through' the various exercises while being guided by the CD."
– Commonwealth Secretariat CSDRMS Learner
"I was either travelling or otherwise too busy for conventional classroom settings. Although I knew that an online course was my best option, I was sceptical, because I thought that it would not work for me. Then the opportunity came for me to participate in this course. Although I was still sceptical, I thought I would not lose anything by trying. I am so glad I signed up for the course. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone. I am so excited about the new world it has opened up for me, and I am searching for another course to participate in."
– WHO learner, Bahamas
"The course's tutors were very supportive and guided me using very simple instructions. Their feedback on my course work, which was provided promptly, assisted my learning and was able to show my progress in the course. That is why they are considered, in my opinion, one of the main reasons this course is very successful."
– WHO learner, Egypt
"Great course with very useful materials. On top of that to have a tutor that can be contacted by email was very much appreciated. From my point of view, the tutor was as important as the material."
– UNHCR Writing Effectively Learner
"The course content is very educative and standard, the administrative arrangements are fantastic and e-tutors are superb."
– Commonwealth Secretariat CSDRMS Learner
"This is the best course I have taken in my 13 years with the Bank."
– World Bank Report Writing Learner